Box Score Los Angeles, Calif. – Lions took a tough loss on Thursday to a rival Pepperdine Waves team 64-60, making this their second loss to the Waves and seventh conference loss.

Lions started the game with intense ball movement and defensive performance as they held the Waves to just 11 points in the first quarter.
 
Alexis Mark and Nicole Rodriguez both recorded a steal, while forcing 4 total turnovers in the first. The Lions performed well on the boards with 12 rebounds to the Waves 9.
 
Things were tied up 11-11 as Pepperdine stayed alive heading into the second. Nicole Rodriguez caught fire hitting 2 3-point daggers plus a field goal to add to her 4-4 free throw shooting in the first.
 
Jasmine Jones also got going early in the game, recording 6 points and 3 rebounds. The Lions shot 50% in the second quarter while the Waves shot 58.3%.

The beginning of the second half started with Nicole Rodriguez continuing her hot streak. She went 100% from the free throw line, shooting 7-7 mid-way through the third quarter. Arielle Johnson also started to catch fire hitting three straight field goals.
 
Lions forced 8 turnovers by the end of three, while shooting 66.7% from the field. They headed into the fourth quarter with the lead 50-46.

LMU had one goal in mind, execution. The Waves would not go away, shooting 50% from the field and perimeter well into the fourth. 
 
The battle was tight with two minutes left to go, as the Lions trailed 57-58. The Waves hit a clutch shot to push the lead to three. Very similar to the previous match last Tuesday, going down to the wire.
 
Lions could not hang on, as they were forced to foul the Waves taking them to the line several times. With the score 58-64, Head Coach Aarika Hughes drew up a great play with 2.8 seconds left. Nicole Rodriguez tried to hit the three but was fouled, forcing her to the line where she would hit two out of three.
 
Cassandra Gordon and Alexis Mark also contributed a tremendous amount for the Lions with 6 points apiece, and great defensive moments. Alexis Mark also finished the game with a remarkable 14 rebounds.

Nicole Rodriguez finished with 19 points, shooting 90% from the free throw line. Ariel Johnson dropped 15 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished 3 assists. Jasmine Jones also complimented the team with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

The Lions will head to Portland for a two-game road trip, as they look to bounce back after tonight's loss. The conference game can be seen on the WCC Network, with tip-off from Chiles Center set for 2 pm both games.